Woman fined for false information

A WOMAN who abused police and tried to give them false evidence while they investigated a car crash at Cordalba pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance and obstructing police yesterday.

Rebecca Monaghan, 29, originally indicated she was pleading not guilty to the charges, but changed her mind minutes before the court hearing was set to start.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens told Bundaberg Magistrates Court the charges related to October 9, 2009, when a station wagon and ute, towing a horse float, collided on the corner of Cemetery and Kingston streets.

The woman swore at officers, telling them she had been driving the vehicle as they tried to interview another witness.

One other person also tried to say they had been driving, but was later charged with giving misleading information, and the real driver was charged with driving under the influence.

The court was told police had to call for back-up as Monaghan continued to hurl derogatory abuse and threats.

She was fined $300 for public nuisance and $400 for obstructing police.